An addition, consisting of three benches and a sign, was added to the Brockriede Common, the area in front of the Multipurpose Activity Center (MAC), this summer in honor of John A. Brockriede and his family to acknowledge their philanthropic efforts to the University and the Long Branch area.
Although the main purpose of the addition is to serve as a dedication to the Brockriede family, Patricia Swannack, Vice President for Administrative Services, said it also intends as a gathering spot where people are more than welcome to sit while waiting for an athletic event or concert.
Brockriede, known as “Mr. Long Branch,” was honored with a Maurice Pollak Award for Distinguished Community Service in 2007. Brockriede owned multiple local businesses and worked in the area for more than 50 years. Brockriede was 77 years-old when he died in his home on April 15, 2012.
His son, John Brockriede, Jr., a University alumus, is a 20 year veteran of the Wall Township Police Department and Vice President of the Senior Officers Association; his grandson, Brockriede, also a University graduate, served as a U.S. Marine from 2004-2007. As a student, H. Brockriede was active in the Monmouth University Veterans Association, serving as a Vice President and President of the organization, and has been recently sworn in as a police officer in Wall Township.
“The Brockriede family have been very generous supporters of Monmouth University for a long time,” said Swannack. “In recognition of their commitment to Monmouth, the University wanted to acknowledge their unwavering support with a prominent naming opportunity, thus Brockriede Common.”
The Brockriede Common was constructed at minimal cost and is displayed to honor the history of the Brockriede family’s generous donations and contributions to the University. J. Brockriede, Jr. and his wife, Kenna, have served as co-chairs of the 2011 University Holiday Ball, a black-tie event that helped raise scholarship funds for students.
In addition to their monetary support to the University, the family has also donated the home of the late J. Brockriede on Van Court Avenue in Long Branch as a gift. The gift to the University was announced at former President Paul Gaffney’s Roast on April 28.
Brockriede Jr. was quoted in the Monmouth University Magazine saying, “My father was a passionate man. He loved his family, he was passionate about business, and he was passionate about giving back. I think it is only fitting to honor him with our gift to the University – his home on Van Court Avenue…He would have loved this tonight – he would have loved being here.”
Another generous donation made by the family, Linda Brockriede, John Brockriede Sr.’s widow, made a $50,000 Distinguished Endowed Scholarship at the most recent event to honor her late husband for all of his generous and charitable efforts.
PHOTO TAKEN by Alyssa Gray
